Time Warner Cable will begin broadcasting public access channels in Cape Elizabeth and South Portland in digital format beginning “on or about” July 23.
While most customers will see no change, and will continue to get community television programming on existing channels Channel 2 in South Portland, Channel 3 in Cape customers using QAM tuners to get digital programming will have to look elsewhere. According to a June 3 letter sent to municipal officials across Cumberland County by Shelley Winchenbach, TimeWarner’s director of government relations in Maine, the actual channel number displayed may vary depending on the make and model of each television and it may be necessary to perform a new channel scan to find the exact tuning location.
However most customers affected by the change will find South Portland Community Television on QAM Channel 121-1, while those looking for Cape Elizabeth Community Television will find it on QAM Channel 121-2.
“Time Warner Cable will take another important step towards adding additional programming and improving internet speeds by reclaiming bandwidth through providing existing programming in digital format only,” wrote Winchenbach, noting that traditional analog channels require up to 14 times more bandwidth than their digital counterparts.
For customers with older analog television sets, Time Warner will offer digital-adapter devices free of charge for a limited time. Customers should contact the cable provider by calling 1-855-286-1736 before September 23 to obtain the adapters and accompanying remotes.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2015, each adapter will cost 99 cents per month. However, Winchenbach said the community access channels will remain a part of Time Warner’s lowest cost basic package.
Duke Harrington
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